Many people think that orthodontics is as simple as just applying pressure on teeth until they move to their desired location. However, what they fail to consider is the importance of using the right tools to move the teeth as well as taking the proper care and consideration of the root structures and the impact of one tooth’s movement on other teeth. (Or rather, what professional training of orthodontics is all about!)
There’s a growing, disturbing trend of people attempting to move their own teeth using do-it-yourself orthodontics. This is spurred by people creating videos on YouTube showing how they are adjusting their teeth. Many of these people are young and don’t pay attention to the potential damage they are inflicting on their teeth.
The methods these amateur ‘orthodontists’ use can cause enough harm to require the teeth be removed and replaced.
People considering doing DIY ‘orthodontics’ to save money on visiting an actual, trained orthodontist should keep in mind they’ll probably spend more money in the long run trying to undo the damage that they caused to their own teeth than what they would have spent on an orthodontist.